Prevalence and Determinants of Raised Blood Pressure among Adolescents and Youth (10-24 Years): A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Varanasi

Abstract

Background: Raised blood pressure (Elevated BP and Hypertension) in adolescence is an emerging public health concern, but evidence on it’s burden and determinants among rural adolescents and youth in India remains limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Raised blood pressure and identify its determinants among adolescents and youth aged 10-24 years in rural areas of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 school and college-going participants. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized digital sphygmomanometer and classified using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline (10-17 years) and ACC/AHA 2017 criteria (≥18 years). Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors were assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Associations were analyzed using Chi-square/Fisher’s Exact tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, 127 (47.0%) participants had raised blood pressure, including 114 (42.5%) having Elevated BP and 13 (4.9%) having Hypertension. Prevalence was highest in the 15-19 year age group. Late adolescence was strongly associated with elevated blood pressure (aOR 4.77; 95% CI: 2.06-11.04), and males had higher odds than females (aOR 2.43; 95% CI: 1.07-5.49). Underweight status was protective (aOR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.16-0.61). Conclusion: The burden of Raised BP was high. Late adolescence and male sex were key determinants, emphasizing the need for early screening and prevention in rural adolescent health programs.